UNPACKING THE INFLUENCE OF RELIGIOSITY ON WORK ROLE PERFORMANCE: THE MEDIATING ROLES OF PSYCHOLOGICAL OWNERSHIP AND MORAL SELF-REGULATION IN FAITH-BASED HEALTHCARE ORGANIZATIONS IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This study investigates the direct and indirect effects of religiosity on employee work role performance (WRP) through the mediating roles of psychological ownership (PO) and moral self-regulation (MSR) in faith-based healthcare organizations in Pakistan. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory (SDT) and Social Identity Theory (SIT), the research develops an integrative model to explain how intrinsic religious values translate into performance-enhancing psychological states and behaviors. Using a structured questionnaire and data collected from employees in religiously affiliated healthcare institutions, the findings reveal that religiosity has a significant positive impact on WRP, both directly and indirectly. Specifically, psychological ownership and moral self-regulation independently and jointly mediate the relationship between religiosity and WRP, indicating that religiosity fosters a sense of responsibility, ethical engagement, and personal investment in one’s work. These results offer new theoretical insights by extending the religiosity literature from attitudinal outcomes to performance behaviors and provide a culturally embedded understanding of how religiosity functions as a motivational and ethical force in value-driven organizational contexts. The study also delivers practical implications for leaders and HR professionals seeking to leverage intrinsic values and moral frameworks to enhance employee performance in faith-based and mission-oriented service environments.

Keywords: Religiosity, Work Role Performance, Psychological Ownership, Moral Self-Regulation, Faith-based Healthcare.